Collapsible stand



July 19, 1966 O. SZYMBER COLLAPSIBLE STAND Filed Nov. 16 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 19, 1966 o. szYMBER GOLLAPSIBLE STAND 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 16, 1964 July 19, 1966 o. szYMBER COLLAPSIBLE STAND 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 16, 1964 fzowf Zeg ff/772,615',

' July 19, 1966 o, SZYMBER 3,261,308

COLLAPSIBLE STAND Filed Nov. 16, 1964 5 Sheetswgheet 4 July 19, 1966 o. szYMBER 3,261,308

COLLAPSIBLE STAND Filed Nov. 16, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IIIIIIII//ll "IIIIIII lll United States Patent O 3,261,308 COLLAPSIBLE STAND Oleg Szymber, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Sawyers Inc., Portland, Oreg., a corporation of Oregon Filed Nov. 16, 1964, Ser. No. 411,436 27 Claims. (Cl. 10S- 145) This invention relates to stands and more particularly to a new and improved vertically collapsible stand.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a stand having a base and a separate support member supported from the base by unique collapsible means including a plurality of flexible bands.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved stand including a base and a support member supported from the base by a plurality of bands which are adapted to collapse into spiral form upon relative rotation between the base and support member yabout an axis perpendicular to both the base and support member.

A further object of the present invention s the provision of a collapsible stand including a base and a support member supported from `the base by first and second sets of collapsible, flexible bands, which bands are arranged and adapted to be locked for forming a rigid structure thereby to secure the support member in spaced relation from the base.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a collapsible stand having a base and a support member supported from the base by a plurality of flexible bands adapted to assume spiral form to permit collapsing of the stand, wherein the base includes a. space for receiving the bands in their spiral form thereby providing a stand which is compact when in its collapsed configuration.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved collapsible stand including a base and a support member supported from the base by a plurality of collapsible bands, which bands are braced intermediate their ends by unique ring members which fit between the bands When the latter assume their spiral form.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a collapsible stand including a base and a support member supported from the base by first and second sets of collapsible, exible bands, and further including locking means for securing the stand in its fully erecte-d position or in any desired intermediate position, which locking means are actuated automatically upon full erection of the stand.

Even another object of the present invention is the provision of a stand ofthe type described which includes unique latching means for securing the stand in its collapsed configuration.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a stand having the following features: ease in erecting and collapsing; light-weight construction; ease in manufacture, and durability in operation.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification disclosing a preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the stand in its fully erected configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stand in its fully collapsed configuration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the stand in its collapsed position with the top or support plate removed (the brace rings are not shown and only two bands are illustrated);

sides.

ice

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 and showing the arrangement of the various parts when the top or support plate is locked to the base;

FIG. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 6 but showing the arrangement of the parts after the top or support plate has been unlocked from the base;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of certain parts of the stand primarily illustrating the locking means for holding the stand in its erected configuration;

FIG. 10 is a section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, vertical, fragmentary section taken through the base and showing the parts which effect automatic locking of the stand upon erection of the same;

FIG. l2 is an enlarged section taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of the detail enclosed within the circle designated A in FIG. 10.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the embodiment of the stand shown for purposes of illustration will be seen to include a generally fiat base member 10 and a circular support plate or top member 12. Support plate 12 is supported from base 10 by an outer set of collapsible bands generally designated 14 and by an inner set of collapsible bands generally designated 16. As will become apparent herein, the bands are each adapted to assume spiral form for permitting collapsing of support plate 12 against base 10 thereby to collapse the stand into a compact unit for carrying or storing, and the sets of bands are arranged -for cooperating to form a rigid structure for securing the support plate in spaced relation with the base.

As noted in FIGS. 1-4, base 10 includes a housing or shell 18 having an integral, generally vertically extending cylindrical wall portion 19. The base also includes a plate 20a secured to shell 18 ,and having an integral, centrally disposed domed portion 20 which defines a cavity 21 on the underside ofthe base.

At this time it should be mentioned that the embodiment of the stand shown for purposes of illustration is especially adapted to serve as a stand for supporting photographic projection equipment, such as slide projectors. In this respect, domed portion 20 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs 22 (FIG. 3) which are stamped from the domed portion and bent to extend yinto cavity 21 thereby to serve as supports for winding an electrical cord (not shown). In other words, the electrical cord associated with the stand may be stored within cavity 21 when not in use. The electrical cord includes a plug adapted to be plugged into an ordinary wa-ll socket for energizing a control panel 24 forming a part lof base 10. Control panel 24 includes a two position switch 25, a room light socket 26, a projector socket 27 and an auxiliary socket 28. Room light socket 26 is controlled by switch 25, Sockets 27 and 28 are energized when the electrical `cord `associated with the stand is plugged into a wall socket. v

The base further includes a carrying strap 29. When the stand is `in its collapsed configuration (FIG. 2), it may be readily carried by grasping carrying strap 29.

' The domed portion 20 of the base includes a central opening' 31 (FIG. 8) which receives a complementary shaped portion 32 of a bushing generally designated at 33. Bushing 33 is non-rotatably mounted in opening 31. This is preferably accomplished by providing opening 31 and bushing portion 32 with corresponding fiat The bushing 33 is secured to the domed portion of the base by means of a C-shaped retainer member 34 which is received in an annular groove 35 formed in the lower portion of the bushing just beneath portion 32.

The stand of this invention further includes a disk or circular plate 37 having a central opening defined by an integral, downwardly turned annular flange 3S which is journaled on a `cylindrical portion 39 of bushing 33. In other words, bushing 33 serves to mount plate 37 on the base for rotation about a verti-cal axis (sometimes referred to hereinafter as the vertical central axis of the stand) which is coaxial with the central axis of the bushing. It will be noted that the free end yof flange 38 (FIG. 8) rests on an enlarged annular portion 40 of bushing 33. A washer 41 is fitted on bushing portion 39 just above the upper surface of plate 37 around the central opening therein. A C-shaped retainer 42 engages washer 41, which retainer is received in an annular groove 43 formed in the upper end of the bushing. It will be apparent t-hat retainer 42 serves to secure plate 37 to the bushing for rotation about the same.

Support plate or top member 12 includes an integral, inturned annular lip `45 (FIG. 3) defining the periphery thereof, which lip is adapted to be snugly received in the upper portion of cylindrical wall 19 when the stand is collapsed. Support member 12 includes a central, depending pin 46 which is suitably secured to the underside thereof. Pin 46 is adapted to be received within bore 47 (FIG. 8) of bushing 33 when the support plate is collapsed against the base member. Pin 46 includes a frusto-conical end portion 46a for facilitating entry of the pin into the bore of the bushing. A lcoil spring 48 concentric with pin 46 has one end thereof secured to the underside of the support plate. This spring engages the top of plate 37 and serves to force or pop support plate 12 upwardly (upon release of latchin'g means to be explained below) to permit grasping of the periphery thereof for erection of the stand. Support plate 12. also includes a concentric ring -49 having an outwardly extending flange 50 suitably secured to the undersurface of support plate 12.

As mentioned above, support plate 12 Iis supported from base by outer and inner sets of collapsible bands generally designated 14 and 16, respectively. As will be explained hereinbelow, each set of bands defines the frustum of a cone, and the sets of bands are arranged to be locked for forming a rigid supporting structure.

The outer set of bands include six exible bands 52 of identical form. Each band 52 has its lower end pivotally mounted to a lug 53 (FIG. 1), which lug is suitably secured to the base just inwardly of cylindrical wall 19. Preferably, the lower end of each band 52 is secured to the associated lug by means of a pin 54 so that the lower end of each band is free to pivot about a horizontal axis extending radially from the vertical central axis of the stand defined by the central axes of pin 46 and bushing bore 47. It will be understood that the lower ends of bands 52 are equally spaced from each other and from the vertical central axis of the stand; in other words, the lower ends of bands 52 are spaced in a polygonal pattern having its center on the vertical central .axis of the stand.

The upper end of each band 52 is pivotally secured to ring y49 by means of a suitable pin 48. Preferably, ring 49 has a diameter approximately equal to the average of the diameters of wall 19 and plate 37. The upper end of each band 52 is pivotally secured to band 49 for pivoting movement about a horizontal axis extending radially from the vertical central axis of the stand. The upper ends of bands 52 are equally spaced from each other and from the central axis of the stand; the spacing of the upper ends of bands 52 may be characterized as a polygonal spacing.

As noted in FIG. l, when the stand is in its fully erected position the bands 52 each assume a substantially linear form (actually the bands are slightly helical in form). The flexible bands 52 are braced by a plurality of horizontally disposed brace rings generally designated 55. Brace rings 55 progressively increase in size from top to base of the stand but are otherwise of identical construction.

Referring to FIG. 10, which shows a typical brace ring 55 in plan view, the brace ring will be seen to be stepped thereby defining radially extending ring portions 56 corresponding in number to the number of liexible bands S2. The radial ring portions are connected together by intermediate ring portions 57 which are in the form of segments of spirals. Flexible bands 52 include suitable apertures for freely receiving the radially extending portions 56 of the brace ring 55. A typical connection between the ring and one `of the bands is shown in FIG. 13. As will become apparent herein, during erecting and collapsing of the stand, bands 52 pivot about the radially extending portions of the brace rin-gs.

The inner set of bands 16 includes six identical flexible bands 60; lbands ed are also identical with bands 52. The upper ends of bands et) are pivotally connected to the same pins 4S pivotally mounting the upper end of bands 52; Ihowever, the upper ends of bands et) are pivotally mounted adjacent the inner surface of ring 49. It will be understood that the upper ends of ybands et) pivot about the same radial axes as the upper ends of associated outer bands 52.

The lower ends of bands et) are each pivoted to a cylindrical side wall portion 61 which forms a part of plate 37. The lower ends of bands 6) are pivoted to wall 61 by suitable pins 62; it will 4be understood that these ends are mounted for `pivoting movement about horizontal axes extending radially from the vertical central axis of the stand.

As noted in FIG. 1, when the stand is in its fully erected position each band `611 assumes substantially linear form. Actually, each band 61B is slightly helical in form in its erected position. A plurality of brace rings 63 are provided for bracing bands 60. Brace rings 63, which are of the same construction as brace rings S5, progressively decrease in size from top to base o-f the stand. Accordingly, each brace ring 63 includes radially extending portions 64 (FIG. 10) corresponding in number to the number of bands 69, which radial portions are connected by intermediate ring portions 65.

The stand of this invention is collapsed by pushing downwardly and simultaneously rotating support plate 12 relative to the base in a clockwise direction about the vertical axis of the stand so that the lbands each assume spiral form. FIG. 4 illustrates a typical band 52 and a typical band ed both in spiral or fully collapsed form. It will be understood that all of the bands assume spiral form when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. From FIG. 4 it will 'be apparent that support member 12 rotates through approximately 270 as it is moved from its supporting position to its collapsed position adjacent the base. This amount of rotation will of course vary depending `on the spacing of the bands and on the height of the stand in its fully erected configuration.

As mentioned above, the diameter of ring 49 is approximately equal to the average of the diameters of base wall 19 and wall 61 of rotatable plate 37. When the stand is in its collapsed configuration, the outer 'bands 52 are received within the space defined by the outer surface of ring 49 and base wall 19, and the inner bands 6d are received within the space defined 'by the inner surface of ring 49 and the outer surface of wall portion 61 of rotatable plate 37. The brace rings are not illustrated 1n FIGS. 3 and 4. It will be understood however that when the stand is collapsed, the brace rings are concentric and received or interleaved between the spiraled bands. As noted in FIG. 10, the brace rings are stepped in a manner for allowing clockwise `rotation of support plate 12 to effect collapsing of the stand. i

As seen in FIG. 1, the outer set of bands 14 defines the frustum of a cone having its base at the base of the stand. Bands 52 are generally parallel with each other and inclined with respect to elements of the cone when they are in their extended or erected position. The inner set of bands 16 defines the frustum of a cone disposed within the cone defined by bands 52 and having its base at support member 12. Bands 60 are generally parallel with each other and inclined with respect to elements of the cone they define when these ban-ds are in their extended or erected position.

Because of the inclination of bands 52, when a downward force is exerted on support plate 12 bands 52 attempt to assume their spiral form by rotating plate 12 in a counterclockwise direction. Assume for the moment that plate 37 is not free to rotate on base 10. Because of the inclination of bands 60, when a downward force is exerted on support plate 12 bands 60 attempt to assume their spiral form by rotating plate 12 in a clockwise direction, i.e. a direction opposite to the direction that would be imparted by rbands 52. Therefore, when plate 37 is not allowed to rotate relative to the base, the opposite rotary forces i-mparted to support plate 12 by the inner and outer sets of bands oppose each other and thereby prevent rotation (and collapse) of the support plate. In other words, when plate 37 is not permitted to rotate, the inner and outer sets of bands cooperate to form a rigid structure lfor securing the support plate in spaced relation with the base, When plate 37 is permitted to rotate, all of the bands are allowed t-o assume spiral form for collapsing of the stand. During collapse of the stand, support plate 12 rotates relative to the base in a clockwise direction and plate 37 .rotates in a clockwise direction relative to both the -base and the support member.

It should be mentioned at this time that the upper ends of bands 60 need not be pivotable about the same axes as the associated upper ends of bands 52. The inner bands need only deline the frustum of a cone having its base at the smaller end of the cone frustum define-d by the outer bands. Of course the bands of each set of bands must be inclined for imparting opposite rotary forces to support plate 12, i.e. the bands must be arranged for forming a rigid supporting structure upon locking plate 37 against rotation -relative to base 10.

During collapsing of the stand, it will be apparent that plate 37 rotates about bushing 33 which defines the vertical central axis lof the stand. In the embodiment of the stand shown for purposes of illustration, during collapsing or erecting of the stand, plate 37 rotates through approximately one and one half turns (twice the amount of rotation of support plate 12). Locking -means are provided to prevent rotation of plate 37 relative to the base member, there-by providing a means for holding or securing the stand in an erected position.

The locking means for plate 37 include a pair of arms 68 and 69 which are secured to each other at right angles. As noted in FIG. 8, arm 69 has a stepped portion 69a `for receiving arm 68. Arms 68 and 69 may be secured together by any suitable means, such as by welding for example. Arm 69 includes an opening 71 in stepped portion 69a thereof, which opening receives a cylindrical portion 72 of bushing 33. In other words, bushing 33 journals arms 68 and 69 for rotation about the vertical axis of the stand. Arm 68 includes an opening 73 which is best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. Opening 73 includes a first portion 73a which rotatably engages bushing portion 72, and a second rectangular portion 73b which extends longitudinally of arm 68. The reason for this particular shape of opening 73 will be explained hereinbelow.

As noted in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 9, arm 68 includes an extension 68a at one end thereof, which extension extends through a horizontally extending slot 75 (FIGS. 2 and 5) formed in one side wall of housing shell 18. A handle 76 is suitably secured on the end of extension 68a to provide a convenient means for rotating arms 68 and 69 to perform the locking action which will be explained hereinbelow.

Extension 68a has an upturned edge portion 68b adapted to engage -a series of ratchet teeth 77 suitably secured to the inside of shell 18 for extending below the upper horizontal edge of slot 75. Extension 68a normally occupies a position such that edge portion 68b engages .ratchet teeth 77. Depressing extension 68a by pressing downwardly on handle 76 disengages trailing edge 68b from the ratchet teeth thereby permitting rotation of the larms in either direction. From FIG. 5 it will be apparent that when arm extension 68a is not depressed, arms 68 and 69 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction only.

As seen in FIG. 9, one end of arm 68 is stamped or bent to define an integral, upwardly inclined portion 80. This inclined portion is best illustrated in FIG. 12. Arm 68 includes another inclined portion 81 whi-ch is the same as inclined portion 80 except that the former is formed intermediate the ends of arm 68 rather than at one end thereof. It will be understood that both inclined portions 80 and 81 extend upwardly toward the leading edge of arm 68, i.e. the leading edge when -arm 68 is rotated counterclockwise. Arm 69 includes upwardly inclined portions 82 and 83 at its respective opposite ends, which inclined portions are identical with inclined portion 80-on arm 68.

As best seen in FIG. 9, domed portion 20 of the base is stamped for forming four integral, equally spaced ramps 85-88. These ramps are generally arcuate along their lengths and lie in a circle having its center concentric with the vertical central axis of the stand, and the ramps increase in height as they extend counterclockwise looking downwardly on the stand. It will be understood that incl-ined portions 80-83 are adapted to receive and ride up respective ramps 85-88 upon rotation of arms 68 and 69 in a counterclockwise direction.

The ends of arms 68 and 69 extend outwardly beneath annular flange (FIGS. 3 and 9) integral with Wall portion 61 of rotatable plate or disk 37. As the inclined portions of the arms ride up on the associated ramps upon rotation of arms 68, 69 in a counterclockwise direction, the portions of the arms adjacent the inclined portions frictionally engage the undersurface of flange 98 thereby wedging or locking plate 37 against rotation. Plate 37 is released or unlocked by rotating arms 68, 69 in a clockwise direction thereby causing the inclined portions to ride down the ramps so that the arms are no longer wedged against ange 90 ofthe disk.

As viewed in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, a spring arm 92 has one end thereof rounded for encircling annular portion 40 of bushing 33. Spring arm 92 is adapted to rotate about the bushing and extends generally radially from the vertical central axis of the stand. A bracket 93 is secured to the upper surface of ar-m 68, which bracket is arranged to be engaged by spring arm 92 as will be explained herein. As noted in FIGS. 4, 9 and 1l, plate 37 includes an integral depending stop member 94 which is formed by punching an opening in plate 37 and bending the cut material downwardly. Stop 94 includes a vertical face 94a and an inclined face 94b (FIG. 11).

When the stand is fully erected and plate 37 locked by the wedging action of the arms 68 and 69, spring arm 92, bracket 93 and stop 94 are in the relationship illustrated in FIG. 11. When the inclined portions of arms 68 and 69 are backed off the associated ramps from the base member, i.e. by rotating the arms in a clockwise direction for freeing or unlocking plate 37, bracket 93 engages spring ar-m 92 and the latter engages edge94a of stop 94 thereby to rotate plate 37 with arms 68 and 69 during the unlocking action. As the stand is collapsed, plate 37 rotates in a clockwise direction. After the plate has rotated through approximately one full turn, the inclined edge 94h of the stop engages spring arm 92 and carries the latter along with plate 37 As mentioned above, during collapsing of the stand, plate 37 rotates through approximately one and one-half turns.

At this time it should be mentioned that the stand of this invention is erected by grasping support plate 12 at the periphery thereof and simultaneously giving the support plate a twisting and an upward movement. (This twisting movement is in a counterclockwise direction.) This movement of support l2 causes the bands to move from their spiral configuration to an intermediate or coiled configuration. After support plate 12 has been rotated and lifted to a certain height, approximately half the distan-ce between its collapsed and fully erected positions, the upward force which is developed by the tendency of the bands to assume their fully erected or generally linear positions is sufficient to raise and rotate support plate l2. In other words, because of the tendency of bands 52 and 60 to unbend or assume their erected positions, the stand is substantially self-erecting after it has been erected partially. During this erection of the stand, plate 37 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

Referring again to FIG. 4, after plate 37 rotates approximately one full turn during erection of the stand, stop edge 94a engages spring arm 92. Therefore, continued rotation of plate 37 during its nal one half turn brings about corresponding rotation of spring arm 90 as stop edge 94a pushes the spring arm along with plate 37. As p-late 37 and arm 92 near the end of their path of rotation, spring arm 92 engages bracket 93. During erection of the stand, plate 37, which is being rotated bythe action of bands 60 assuming their erected positions, has sufficient momentum for advancing arms 68 and 69 so that the inclined portions of the latter ride up on the ramps on the base thereby automatically to lock plate 37 upon erection of lthe stand. If erection of the stand is not rapid enough to provide plate 37 with suicient momentum for self-locking, support plate l2 may be manually rotated when in its fully erected position to cause locking of plate 37.

Of course, the stand may be erected to its fully erected position or an intermediate position by manually manipulating support plate 12. It plate 12 is rotated slowly during full erection of the stand, plate 37 may not have suicient momentum to cause rotation of arms 63 and 69 for locking of plate 37. If this is the ease, plate 37 may be easily locked by rotating support plate 12 as explained above or by depressing arm extension 68a and then manually rotating arms 68 and 69 in a counterclockwise direction until the latter are wedged against ilange 99 of plate 37 thereby to lock the latter. It will be apparent that plate 37 may be manually locked by moving handle 76 at any time during erection of the stand thereby to secure the stand at any desired intermediate or partially erected configuration.

As best noted in FIGS. 6 land 7, a hairpin spring generally designated 97 is received within opening 73b of arm 68. The bight portion ofthe spring is stepped downwardly for being received beneath one end of opening 73h. The distal end of one leg 97a of the spring is bent downwardly and outwardly for being received beneath arm 68 at one side of opening 73h. Spring 97 may be removed from opening 73 by squeezing the distal ends of the spring. The other leg 97h of the spring is received within a slot 98 formed in bushing 33. l't will be noted that this slot intersects bore 47 of the bushing. When arms 68 and 69 are in their locked position, i.e. the position illustrated in FIG. 6, leg 97h of the spring extends across opening 47 of the bushing for being received in an annular groove 46h in pin 46.

It will be recalled that bushing 33 is non-rotatably mounted in the base of the stand. In other words7 arms 68 and 69 rotate about bushing 33. When arms 68 and 69 are rotated in a clockwise direction, ie. rotated to the unlocked position, spring 97, which is carried by arm 63, is rotated so that leg 97b of the spring is moved out of bore 47 of bushing 33. It should be apparent that spring 97 serves as a means for latching support plate l2 in its collapsed position.

When the stand is collapsed, pin 46 carried by support plate l2 enters bore 47 of bushing 33. If arms 68 and 69 are rotated to their FlG. 6 o-r locked position prior to insertion of pin 46 in bore 47 of the bushing, as the pin 46 passes downwardly through bore 47, frusto-conical portion 46a: of the pin will deflect spring leg 97h outwardly so that the latter will snap back into annular groove 461) of the pin thereby to lock the suppor-t plate against the base. If arms 68 and 69 are not rotated to the FIG. 6 position prior to reception of pin 46 in bore 47 of the bushing, the arms 63 and 69 may be rotated counterclockwise after insertion of pin 46 in bore 47 for forcing spring leg 97 b into annular groove 46h of the pin. When arms 68, 69 are moved to their FIG. 6 position for releasing pin 46, spring 48 acts .to pop or force support plate 12 upwardly so the periphery of the latter may be readily grasped for erection of the stand. It will be apparent that handle 7 6 on the end of arm 63 serves the dual function of locking the sta-nd in its erected position and of latching support plate l2 against the base when the stand is fully collapsed.

While the invention has been shown `in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not to be so limited. Gn the contrary, it is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A collapsible stand comprising, a base, a separate support member, a plurality of flexible bands having their opposite ends secured to the base and support member, respectively, thereby to support said member in vertical spaced relation from said base, each of said bands being arranged and adapted to assume spiral form thereby to allow said member to be collapsed to a position adjacent said base.

2. A collapsible stand comprising, a base, a separate support member, a plurality of spring-like bands of equal length having their ends pivotally secured to said base and said member, respectively, said bands being arranged and adapted in extended positions to support said member in vertical spaced relation above said base, said bands each being arranged and adapted to assume spiral form thereby to allow said member to be collapsed to a position adjacent the base.

3. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar base, a separate generally planar support member, a plurality of spring-like bands of equal length having their opposite ends secured to said base and said member respectively, said ends -being connected to said base and said member in respective polygonal patterns for pivoting movement about axes extending radially from the centers of said patterns and normal to the bands at the ends thereof, said patterns being of different sizes, said bands being adapted, when extended, to support said member in vertical spaced relation from said base, and said bands each being adapted to assume spiral form thereby to allow said support member to be collapsed against said base.

4. The stand according to claim 3 further defined by at least one ring-like brace means for said bands, said brace means being pivotally connected with each of said bands intermediate the ends thereof.

5. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar base and a separate generally planar support member, said member being mounted to said base by a plurality of ftexible bands for relative movement between the member and the base in either direction along an axis perpendicular to both the base and the member, said bands being adapted and arranged so that said support and said base rotate relative to each other about said axis during said movement between the member and the base.

6. The stand according to claim 5 further defined by collapsible means connected to both said base and said member and selectively operable when said member and said base have been moved away from each other to prevent relative rotation between the same.

7. A collapsible stand comprising, a base and a separate support member, a plurality of spring-like bands having their opposite ends pivotally secured to said base and said member, respectively, so that each band is movable between a generally linear extended position and a spiral position, said bands being adapted in their extended position to support said member in spaced relation with said base and said bands being adapted in their spiral position to allow said member and said base to be brought into adjoining relation.

8. A collapsible stand comprising, a Igenerally planar base member, a separate generally planar support member, first collapsible means consisting of a plurality of first bands having their opposite ends pivotally secured to said members, respectively, a plate parallel with both of said members and rotatably secured to one of said members on the side thereof facing the other of said members, second collapsible means consisting of a plurality of second bands having their opposite ends pivotally secured to said plate and said other of said members, respectively, all of which bands are adapted and arranged for movement between an extended position thereby to support said members in parallel, vertically spaced relation and a spiral position thereby to allow said members to be brought into adjoining relation, said first bands defining in their extended position the frustum of a first cone, said first bands being generally parallel with each other and inclined with respect to elements of said cone, said second bands defining in their extended position the frustum of a second cone concentric with said first cone, said second bands being generally parallel with each other and inclined with respect to elements of said second cone for forming, with said rst bands, a rigid structure when rotation between sa-id plate and said one member is prevented, and means engageable with both said plate and said one of said members and operable to prevent relative rotation between the same.

9. The collapsible stand according to claim S further defined by at least one set of brace means for each of said collapsible means, said brace means each comprising means defining a ring pivotally engaged with the associated bands intermediate the ends thereof.

10. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar base member and a parallel, generally planar support member, a plurality of spring-like bands of equal length having their opposite ends connected to said members respectively, which ends are pivotally connected to said members in respective polygonal patterns for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially of the centers of said patterns and generally normal to the bands at the ends thereof, the polygonal pattern on one of said members being greater in size than the polygonal pattern on the other of said members, a plate mounted on said one of said members for rotation about an axis perpendicular to said members and passing through said centers, a plurality of other spring-like bands having their opposite ends connected to said plate and said other member, respectively, the associated ends of said other bands being pivotally connected to said plate in a third polygonal pattern for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially of said axis and normal to the bands at the associated ends thereof, which third pattern is smaller than said second pattern, the other ends of said other bands being pivotally connected to said other member in a fourth polygonal pattern for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to the other ends of said other bands, which fourth polygonal pattern has a size intermediate the sizes of said second and third patterns, all of said bands being adapted to assume extended positions for supporting said support member in vertical spaced relation from said base member and all of said bands being adapted to assume spiral positions thereby to permit collapsing of said support member against said base member, said first mentioned bands and said other bands defining, in the extended positions, respective cone frustums, all of said bands being inclined with respect to elements of the associated cones for forming a rigid structure when rotation between said plate and said one member is prevented, and locking means engageable with both said one member and said plate to prevent relative rotation between the same.

11. The collapsible stand according to claim 10 further defined by brace means for said first mentioned bands and separate brace means for said other bands, each brace meansbeing of ring-like form extending parallel with said base and said support member and pivotally connected to each of the associated bands intermediate the ends thereof.

12. The collapsible stand according to claim 11 Wherein each brace means includes a continuous ring and wherein each band includes an opening intermediate its ends in which the ring is received, said ring being stepped to define radial ring portions extending through the openings in the bands and intermediate ring portions joining the radial ring portions, each intermediate ring portion extending from the inside of one band to the outside of the adjacent band.

13. The collapsible stand according to claim 10 wherein said ibase includes a substantially continuous, vertical circumferential Wall, and wherein said plate includes a peripheral surface concentric with said wall and disposed within the latter, said wall and said sunface defining with said base a space for receiving all of said bands when the latter are in their spiral positions.

14. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar ibase, a plurality of flexible bands of equal len-gtih each having one end secured to the upper surface of said base, the ends of said bands secured to sai-d base being equally spaced .from each other and lfrom a common axis perpendicular to said base, -said ends being pivotable about separate axes extending radially from said axis and nor-mal to the bands at said ends thereof, a generally planar support member, tfhe other ends of said bands being secured to said member [for supporting the same in parallel relation with the base, said other ends being equally spaced from each other and `from said axis but at different distances t-han the correspondi-ng 'distances between the first mentioned ends of the bands, said otiher ends being pivotable about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to the bands at said other ends thereod, said bands being adapted to assume spiral (form .for collapsing said member against said base and said bands bein-g adapted to assume generally linear form for supporting said member in vertical spaced relation above said base.

15. The stand according to claim 14 further deiined by the provision of ring-like brace means exten-ding perpendicular to said axis and pivotally engaged -with each of said bands intermediate the ends thereof.

16. A collapsible stand comprising a :generally planar base, a plurality of first Ifiexilble bands of equal length each having one end secured to the upper surface of said base, the ends of said bands secured to said base being equally Ispaced from each other and from a common axis perpendicular to said |base, said ends being pivotable about separate axes extending radially from said axis, a generally planar support member, the other ends of said bands being secured to said member `for supporting the same in parallel relation with the base, said other ends being equally spaced :from each otlher and from 'said axis but at `distances less than the corresponding distances between the rst mentioned ends of said iirst bands, said other ends being pivotable about separate axes extending radially .from said axis, a plurality of second flexible bands of equal length each having one end secured to said mem- Iber, the ends of -said second bands secured to said member lbeing equally spaced from each other and from said axis but at distances less than the corresponding vdistances between said other ends of said first |bands, said ends of -said second bands being pivotable about separate axes extending radially from sa-id axis, a diskmounted on the upper surface of said base for rotation about said axis, the ot-her ends of said second bands bein-g secured to said disk adjacent the periphery thereof, said other ends of said second bands being equally spaced from each other and yfrom said anis but at distances less than the corresponding distances bet-Ween the rst mentioned ends of said second bands, said other ends of said second bands being pivotable about separate axes extending radially of said disk, all of said bands being adapted to assume spiral lform for collapsing said member against said Ibase and all of said lbands being adapted to assume generally helical iform for supporting said memiber in vertical spaced relation above said base, said iirst bands and said second bands defining, when in helical fonm, respective cone frustums, all of said bands lbeing inclined with respect to elements of the associated cones for forming a rigid structure when rotation between said disk and said base is prevented, and locking means for preventing relative rotation between said base and -said disk.

1-7. The collapsible stand according to claim i6 further defined by brace means for said rst bands and separate brace means for said second bands, each 'brace means being of ring-like form extending parallel with said base and said support member and pivotally connected to each of the associated bands intermediate the ends thereof.

1S. The collapsible stand according to claim 17 wherein each brace means includes a continuous ring and wherein each band includes an opening intermediate lits ends in which the ring is received, said ring being stepped to deifi-ne radial ring portions extending through the openings in the bands and intermediate ring portions joining the radial ring portions, each inter-mediate ning portion extending lfrom the inside of one band to the outside orf the adjacent band.

19. The collapsible stand according to claim 16 wherein said base includes a substantially continuous, vertical, circumferential wall defining with the peripheral surface of said disk a space for receiving all of said iirst and second bands when the latter assume their spiral form.

20. The stand according to claim ld wherein said locking means includes, a plurality of ramps on said base, a plurality of wedges carried by the base and movable relative to both the base and said disk, said wedges being adapted to 'be .forced between respective ramps and the disk there-by to wedge the latter against rotation relative to the base.

21. The stand according to claim 20 further defined by actuating means for said locking means, said actuating means being operable upon relative rotation between said ibase and said disk `for automatically ywedging the latter upon erection of the stand.

22. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar base, a plurality of exible bands each having an end pivotally secured to the base, the ends of said bands secured to the base being equally spaced from each other and from a common axis perpendicular to the base for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to the bands at said ends thereof, a generally planar support member, the other ends of said bands being pivotally secured to said member for supporting the same in parallel relation with said base, said other ends being equally spaced from each other and from said axis but at different distances than the correspending distances between the rst mentioned ends of said bands for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normalto the bands at said other ends thereof, said bands being adapted to assume spiral form upon relative rotation between said base and said member about said axis thereby to collapse said member against said base and said bands being adapted to assume extended positions upon reverse relative rotation between said base and said member about said axis thereby to support said member in spaced relation from said base.

23. A collapsible stand comprising, a generally planar base member and a generally planar support member, a plurality of first ilexible bands each having one of its ends pivotally secured to one of said members, the ends of said first bands secured to said one member being equally spaced from each other and from a common axis perpendicular to said one member for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to the bands at said ends thereof, the other ends of said rst bands being pivotally secured to said other member for supporting the same in parallel relation with said rst member, said other ends being equally spaced from each other and from said axis but at distances less than the corresponding distances between the first mentioned ends of said first bands for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to the bands at said other ends thereof, a plurality of second flexible bands each having one of its ends pivotally secured to said other member, the ends of said second bands secured to said other member being equally spaced from each other and from said axis but at distances less than the `corresponc'ling distances between said other ends of said first bands for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to said second bands at said ends thereof, a plate mounted to said one member for rotation relative thereto about said axis, the other ends of said second bands being pivotally secured to said plate, said other end of said second bands being equally spaced from each other and from said axis for pivoting movement about separate axes extending radially from said axis and normal to said second bands at said other ends thereof, all of said bands being adapted to assume spiral form upon rotation of said other'member and said plate relative to said one member about said axis thereby to `collapse said other member against said one member, and all of said bands being adapted to assume helical extended positions upon reverse relative rotation between said other member and said plate about said axis thereby to support said other member in spaced relation from said one member, said first bands and said second bands defining, when in helical form, respective cone frustums, all of said bands being inclined with respect to elements of the associated cones for forming a rigid structure when rotation between said plate and said base is prevented, and locking means for preventing rotation between said disk and said base.

24. The stand ccording to `claim 23 further deined by wedging means carried by said one member and rotatable about said axis relative to both said one member and said plate for wedging the latter against rotation relative to the former.

2S. The stand according to claim 24 wherein said wedging means comprises at least one arm pivotally secured to said one member between the latter and said plate, said one member including a pair of diametrically oppositely disposed ramps, said arm having end portions adapted to ride up said ramps, respectively, upon rotation of the arm relative to said one member thereby to wedge the arm against said plate.

26. The stand according to claim 25 further defined by actuating means for rotating said arm thereby to cause said end portions to ride up said ramps, said actuating means being `operated by relative movement between said plate and said one member and including a lost motion connection so that said arm is wedged against said plate during the inal amount of rotation of the latter upon erection of the stand.

27. The stand according to claim 24 wherein said wedging means includes latch means and wherein said other member includes a formation adapted to be engaged by the latch means when the stand is collapsed thereby to secure the stand in its `collapsed coniiguration.

(References on following page) 13 14 References Cited by the Examiner FOREIGN PATENTS 574,468 1/ 1946 Great Britain. UNITED STATES PATENTS 616,195 1/1949 Great Britain. 1,550,944 s/19a5 Beidleret a1 248-157 X 56,793 9/1934 Norway. 2,027,386 1/1936 Krummer 4. 248-157 5 CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner. 2,434,358 1/ 1948 Frank 46-1 FRANK B, SHERRY, Examiner. 

1. A COLLAPSIBLE STAND COMPRISING, A BASE A SEPARATE SUPPORT MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF FLEXIBLE BANDS HAVING THEIR OPPOSITE ENDS SECURED TO THE BASE AND SUPPORT MEMBER, RESPECTIVELY, THEREBY TO SUPPORT SAID MEMBER IN VERTICAL SPACED RELATION FROM SAID BASE, EACH OF SAID BANDS BEING 